A Brief Statement of the Rise and Progress The Testimony of The Religious Society 0f Friends, Against Slavery And Tue Slave Trade.

Abstract:

IT was intended to include in the following pages, an account of the labours of Friends, in all the Yearly Meetings where slavery once existed, to induce the members to set their slaves free; and letters were accordingly addressed with a view of procuring the information necessary for drawing up such a sketch. From two of the Yearly Meetings, however, the information could not be obtained; as the documents in relation to the subject were so circumstanced, as not to be readily accessible. It is believed, however, that the means used in the limits of those meetings to convince the understandings of the members of the iniquity of slave holding. And to induce them to give the Negro the enjoyment of his natural right to liberty, were essentially the same as those detailed in the subsequent narrative. It is obvious, that in so brief a space as this essay affords, a very imperfect view of the arduous and unwearied labours of the Society in the cause of freedom could be given; but perhaps enough is said to show the benefit of patient, persevering labour, under the influence of gospel love, in checking, and finally eradicating an evil, which long-established custom had sanctioned, and which was interwoven with all the social relations, and with the strongest feelings of self-interest. Should it happily be the means of inciting others to pursue the same course in reference to slavery, the object of its publication will be obtained.